Brian Gieringer PhD LMFT
Midtown Atlanta Psychotherapy
Text: 404-786-0415 - email: brian@hillpinecounseling.com
My Mission as a Therapist
My mission is to help my clients overcome their struggles and pain. I help them have more fulfilling lives and more positive and rewarding relationships with spouses or partners, family members, coworkers, and friends.
The best part of being a therapist is seeing my clients discover their true selves, and then come to accept themselves for the remarkable people that they are. These are magic moments in therapy that I cherish.
I’ve made big changes in my life, and I can help you do the same.
After completing my MBA, I spent 17 years in the corporate world working in information technology and organizational change. My work brought me in contact with people from diverse cultures, religious backgrounds, and customs. My experience in business taught me a lot about people’s differences that I find invaluable in my work with clients.
Slowly, I realized working for corporations was deeply unsatisying, and another 30 years of meetings just felt unbearable.
I was drawn to the field of psychology and proceeded to complete a Ph.D. I am thrilled that I was able to take the risk and make this career change. I can’t imagine a more rewarding job than seeing my clients and couples grow closer to their partners, spouses, or families.
I’m a compassionate, patient, and a skilled listener.
Research shows that the most important aspect of effective therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. My main focus in therapy is ensuring that we develop a trusting relationship.
I will accept you and whatever troubles you may have. I am open to hearing your feedback on how therapy is working for you and will make any adjustments to the process that will be helpful to you.
I know that you may be nervous about seeing a therapist - especially if it is your first time. Therefore, I am very welcoming when you arrive at my office and do what I can to ensure you feel safe and comfortable.
I am sensitive to those with different racial cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations (LGBTQ), and religious or spiritual affiliations
I pride myself on serving diverse clients such as those in the LGBTQ community, Black/African American people, people of Latin, Foreign Nationals, those with varying religious and spiritual affiliations, all levels of socioeconomic status, and also people with differing political perspectives. I am proactive in working hard to continue to deepen my understanding the pressures, discrimination, and isolation experienced by those in these minority groups. As a gay man, I am sensitive to life as on the borders of society and the negative effects discrimination, prejudice, and ignorance on mental health and well being. I believe strongly in equality and it is a basic value that whoever you are, whatever you look like, and wherever you come from, you have important things to teach me and the rest of society.
I am experienced working with teens, adults, couples, parents and families
I work with clients facing varying problems. Prior to my private therapy practice, I worked for 7 years in inpatient facilities in Georgia. My couples and family therapy work began here and led to my licensure as a marriage and family therapist. I have a deep understanding of how relationships work…and how they fail.
Tilly, our dog
Education
PhD Applied Psychology: Pacifica Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara, CA
MBA University of Pittsburgh
BA German Studies: Penn State University
Professional Affiliations
Atlanta Jung Society
Memphis Atlanta Jung Seminar
IRSJA - Interregional Association of Jungian Analysts, Candidate
APA - American Psychological Association
AAMFT - American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
GSA - German Studies Association, lifetime member
Work History
Private Practice: 2014 - present
Prior Mental Health Work: 2007 - 2014
Devereux Georgia
Hillside Hospital
Grady Hospital, Psychiatric ER